The Nigerian House of Representatives has issued a stark warning that the government must act to address the growing insecurity in the country, or risk a revolt by citizens. This warning comes amid rising violence in several regions, particularly in the north, where insurgents and herdsmen continue to wreak havoc. Some lawmakers argued that the federal government has not done enough to tackle the problem, despite having spent over N19.7 trillion on security.
The debate was sparked by a motion regarding a fire at Giwa Barracks, which led to an explosion of military bombs, and escalating attacks on military formations in Borno and Yobe states. Lawmakers, particularly those from affected regions, spoke of the dire situation on the ground, with some calling for urgent steps to be taken to ensure the safety of both military personnel and civilians. They warned that without immediate government action, public frustration could lead to violent uprisings, even targeting elected officials.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio also expressed concerns about the strain that insecurity and economic difficulties are placing on the people, urging the Senate to respond with appropriate legislative actions. He highlighted the worsening economic conditions, instability in the energy sector, and ongoing insecurity as major challenges requiring urgent attention.
Lawmakers, including those from Borno, detailed the increasingly sophisticated methods used by insurgents, such as weaponized drones and foreign fighters. Calls were made for a comprehensive review of security measures, including providing more support for military personnel and strengthening the country’s borders, particularly following the departure of some neighboring countries from ECOWAS.
A growing sentiment within the National Assembly is that the current security forces are insufficient and outmatched, and some have even proposed allowing citizens to take up arms for self-defense. These contributions underscore the mounting frustration with the government’s inability to secure the country and protect its people.
In response to these concerns, the House of Representatives resolved to investigate the cause of the fire at Giwa Barracks and conduct a broader review of military security protocols. However, the Presidency has yet to provide a formal response to these claims.
